(Kansas City, Mo.) - UMKC Director of Athletics Tim Hall has signed a three-year contract extension, retaining his services through 2016. UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton made the announcement on Tuesday, March 6.

Since Hall accepted the post in 2007, UMKC has seen competitive improvement every year. UMKC has won Summit League Championships in men's soccer, men's golf, men's tennis and softball. This academic year, all four of those UMKC sports were named favorites to win the Summit League, with three others picked in the top three.

The women's basketball team posted its first 20-win season since 1991-92 and its second ever trip to the Summit League Tournament Championship game on Tuesday. They will await their fate for a possible postseason tournament invite, which would be their second in the last three years. In the fall, the women's soccer team advanced to the conference tournament for the first time in school history, while setting a school record for wins. Women's tennis also set a record for wins following last year's season, and advanced to its first ever Summit League Tournament Final appearance.

"Our athletic department has seen tremendous growth under the leadership of Tim Hall," Morton said, "Even in this tough economic climate, he has helped guide our athletics program to several facility upgrades, including the construction of the top-notch Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field. Our academic improvement has also been impressive, with our student-athletes posting a cumulative GPA better than 3.2. Tim and I continue to work closely creating a long term vision for athletics that will position the department to be successful and sustainable well into the future."

Hall thanked Morton for the vote of confidence, adding that much work remains to be done.

"Even with the noted successes, the men's basketball program is approaching an important season," Hall said. "I am confident we will show significant progress toward becoming a contender in our league."

UMKC's athletics department staffing has grown during Hall's tenure as part of an effort to catch up to other Summit League schools. Those additions have made UMKC more competitive in recruiting student-athletes, while providing fundraising support for many facility improvements and agreements in each sport.

Hall said he will continue working with Morton to move UMKC athletics towards greater alignment with the overall strategic plan for the University.

"I am thrilled to continue to serve as the Athletics Director here at UMKC," Hall said. "Chancellor Morton has been a great leader for our University and supporter of our athletics department, and I am glad we get to continue our work together to improve this department even further. I am committed to winning with every program here, and we will continue to be one of the top departments academically and athletically in the Summit League."